The New Year is always full of resolutions. How many times have you said, or heard, “I’m going to exercise more, lose weight or quit smoking this year?” People are more likely to succeed when they’ve got a supportive network helping them reach their goals.
Towards that end, we’re launching a new team based safety program on January 1.
The FM Safety Committee, made up of folks from throughout FM, has devised this new program. They created 26 teams based on our existing District team structure (combining smaller units when necessary). They then developed team goals and rewards for having zero lost time injuries which are:
• Level 1: 0-30 days: T-Shirt
• Level 2: 31-90 days: Polo Shirt
• Level 3: 91-180 days: Denim Shirt
• Level 4: 181-360 days: Sweatshirt
• Level 5: 361-480 days: Jacket
Here’s how it works. If the entire team has zero lost time injuries for 30 days then each team member receives a T-shirt for successfully completing Level 1. The team then moves into Level 2. If a team member suffers a lost time injury before the 90th day (on the 66th day for example), then the team returns to the beginning of Level 2, starting again at day 31. The longer a team remains injury-free, the better the rewards become.
You can track your team’s progress weekly on the Communication Boards which will be installed in all muster areas in January.
Besides working and being rewarded as a team, you also have a chance to win individual prizes. Employees that attend their monthly safety meeting, complete a safety exercise and fill out a self-inspection checklist each month receive a scratch-off card. The scratch off cards provide a chance to win a $10, $15, $25 or $100 Visa cash card. Supervisors will distribute the self-inspection checklists and safety exercise forms monthly.
One side measure of success for this program will be to reduce the cost of injuries to the University. According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, the average cost of a lost time workers’ compensation injury is $15,100. This is why the cost of this program is being shared by the University Risk Management Office - because they (and we) believe we can save the University money even while spending some on awards.
Bonus awards are fun, but the primary goal is your safety. Our goal is that everyone goes home safely each day. In my 2 1/2 years in FM, I have heard too many 'close calls' as well as a few serious injuries. We hope this program helps encourage a safe, injury-free work place.
I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday.
Mike Berthelsen
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